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Intermediate filament-plasma membrane interactions

J C Jones1, K J Green

  • 1Department of Cell, Molecular and Structural Biology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611.

Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|February 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

This review explores how intermediate filaments connect to desmosomes and hemidesmosomes. It examines molecules mediating these interactions and potential direct binding to membrane components.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Intermediate filaments provide mechanical stability to cells.
  • Desmosomes and hemidesmosomes are crucial cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion structures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review molecules mediating intermediate filament-desmosome and intermediate filament-hemidesmosome interactions.
  • To explore mechanisms of intermediate filament binding to these structures.
  • To address potential direct interactions with membrane proteins and lipids.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of molecular interactions.
  • Analysis of protein binding mechanisms.
  • Examination of biophysical interaction models.

Main Results:

  • Identified key adaptor proteins linking intermediate filaments to desmosomes/hemidesmosomes.
  • Discussed diverse binding strategies, including direct and indirect associations.
  • Highlighted the role of specific molecular domains in filament integration.

Conclusions:

  • Intermediate filament-junctional complex interactions are complex and multifactorial.
  • Understanding these interactions is vital for cell mechanics and tissue integrity.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate direct binding events.

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